Wilson, 33, is a five-time Pro Bowl selection and the move saves the team $3 million in salary cap space. Wilson had 54 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble last season for the Cardinals. Wilson said in December that he didn't expect to be back for a 13th year with the team.

“All of us thank Adrian for what he has meant not only to our organization but also to this community,” Cardinals president Michael Bidwill said in a statement. “In every franchise, there is a select group of players whose contributions earn them iconic status and for us, Adrian Wilson will always be one of those players. He joined us at a key time in our organization’s evolution and helped lead us into a new era. We will always be grateful for that and look forward to the day when he’s placed in the Ring of Honor at University of Phoenix Stadium alongside the other all-time great Cardinals."

Wilson was demoted in November and was relegated with playing in nickel packages.

"It hurts," Wilson said at the time. "It hurts. They can give you 1,000 reasons why that is, but I know I can still play football. It's tough right now."